The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that it will not proceed with the introduction of ‘not for EU’ labelling in Great Britain.

‘Not for EU’ labelling on a mandatory basis was due to be introduced on 1st October 2024, but following a consultation carried out earlier this year, Government said it would not proceed with the introduction.

Defra said it would “remain committed to ensuring that it safeguards the supply of supermarket supplies into Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis”, and said it would “work intensively with industry to monitor those supplies” and be assured that they will be maintained as the Windsor Framework continues to be implemented.

Government said it would take necessary powers to apply ‘not for EU’ labelling in the future “if that is required to secure those supplies across the UK internal market”.

FDF welcomes policy update

Karen Betts, chief executive of The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “We’re very pleased that the new Government has listened to the food and drink industry’s concerns and has responded by maintaining a flexible and proportionate approach to ‘Not for EU’ labelling.

“Our members are committed to supplying all our products everywhere across the UK, including to Northern Ireland. This more flexible approach will help keep prices down for consumers and help companies manage stock and supplies, as well as removing a barrier to investment in UK manufacturing.”